Colour in Storytelling In the introduction to this video essay looking at how colour can tell a story, we are told that Film School never teaches the knowledge of art, but mainly technology. No one teaches meaning, the philosophy of light, the philosophy of colour. Is the use of colour in storytelling only for the high-end productions, something which low budget Indies can't afford? Is colour in storytelling a luxury? In another conversation inspired by RB's challenge, this month I've learnt about reading my script and creating a colour chart for the various scenes along the way, to help the Cinematographer develop the visual style of the film. To create the colour cast on The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, Robert Wiene had the appropriate chemical added to the processing of the film to create the blue, yellow and purple casts. This was an attempt to heighten the emotion of the scene and influence an audience's response to it. This after all was the age of German Expressionism. Colour is not just an afterthought, nor a mere decorative element, but it creates in the viewer an emotional response. By the way, this is not a filler for the lack of emotional connection with the characters, but a magnification, a deepening of it. Now, sit back and enjoy the video. @RB will be around shortly with a choice of fine whiskeys and opulent Belgian chocolates, for your delectation. https://youtu.be/aXgFcNUWqX0
Cinematography : RB's April Challenge (day 26) by Geoff Hall
Other topics in Cinematography:
Check out Trending Discussions
Register / Log In
Thanks Sian, my pleasure.
Hi William, I would go back to what Gordon Willis said about there being 'no formula'. Whatever we do with colour, with blocking etc, it all has to be to aid the characters and the story you want to tell. But we need to understand the fundamentals so that we can be an intelligent part of the conversation, when it comes to the intensity of production, to further the story and resolve issues and problems. Thanks for your comment.
Hi William, Yes, sadly people do equate 'no formula' with 'no rules'. He says 'no formula' but stresses that is so we focus on doing what is right for the story. That's an important point to take in board. Yes, I posted the Craft Truck interview on my last April post. I saw it a few years ago (I think) and just loved it. Indeed, if you're Gordon Willis then you can break the rules! I wonder what he was like to work with? That would be interesting to know from a Director's point of view. Thanks for sharing.
I came across the video essay on the use of colour in Denis Villeneuve's film 'Sicario'. I think it adds a little to our conversation, in that it talks of colour revealing the moral stance of the characters. See what you think. Best, Geoff http://nofilmschool.com/2016/02/how-color-sicario-reveals-battle-between...
I must admit to feeling the same way, William. Sometimes the Oscars deliver odd decisions.
Geoff Hall: you should see the Oscar I work—with. bi-polar whom when manic thinks he is an AF Lt.Col in Intelligence ▬ funny thing is I am doing better with him than I would be at the awards and his odd decisions can deliver what they cant. It would be contract-stipulation for me at any post-pitch discussions, that look-alike for me would be fronting that for me if production proceeds.